High Efficiency Solid-State Light Source and Methods of Use and Manufacture

ABSTRACT

A high-intensity light source is formed by a micro array of a semiconductor light source such as a LEDs, laser diodes, or VCSEL placed densely on a liquid or gas cooled thermally conductive substrate. The semiconductor devices are typically attached by a joining process to electrically conductive patterns on the substrate, and driven by a microprocessor controlled power supply. An optic element is placed over the micro array to achieve improved directionality, intensity, and/or spectral purity of the output beam. The light module may be used for such processes as, for example, fluorescence, inspection and measurement, photopolymerzation, ionization, sterilization, debris removal, and other photochemical processes.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/466,337 filed May 8, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/984,589 filed Nov. 8, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part application claiming the benefit of International Application No. PCT/US2003/014625 filed May 8, 2003, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/379,019 filed May 8, 2002, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention is generally directed to a solid-state light source having an electromagnetic radiation density sufficient to perform a variety of functions in a variety of production applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

High-intensity pressure arc lamps of various varieties (for example, metal halide, mercury, Xenon, Excimer, and halogen) and other high-intensity light sources are used in the majority of commercial and industrial applications involving, for example, projection, illumination and displays, inspection, initiation of chemical or biological processes, image reproduction, fluorescence, exposure, sterilization, photopolymer polymerization, irradiation, and cleaning. In each of the applications above, a high irradiation bulb generates a high-intensity broad spectral output of incoherent light that is filtered and spatially modified through the use of complicated optics to allow the emission of a narrow spectral band of light, such as, ultraviolet (UV) light with the proper intensity and spatial properties for the desired application. Unfortunately, conventional high-intensity light sources have a variety of disadvantages, as illustrated in the following examples.

UV light is an effective tool in many production applications in many industries. For example, UV light is used for photopolymer polymerization, a process used widely for various processes such as, printing, lithography, coatings, adhesives, processes used in semiconductor and circuit board manufacturing, publishing, and packaging. UV light, due to its high photon energy, is also useful for molecular excitation, chemical initiation and dissociation processes, including, fluorescence for inspection and measurement tasks, cleaning processes, and sterilization, and medical, chemical, and biological initiation processes, and used in a variety of industries such as, electronics, medicine, and chemical industries. The efficiency and duration of conventional light sources for these applications is extremely low. For instance, 8000 W ultraviolet lamp sources (after filtering) are used in exposure of polymer resists, but they provide only 70 W of power in the spectral range required by the process. Therefore, more efficient semiconductor light sources are needed.

Arrays of semiconductor light sources such as LEDs and laser diodes are more efficient than high pressure light sources and offer advantages over lamps and most other high-intensity light sources. For example, such arrays of semiconductor light sources are four to five times more efficient than that of high-intensity light sources. Other advantages of such semiconductor light source arrays are that they produce a far greater level of spectral purity than high-intensity light sources, they are more safe than high-intensity light sources since voltages and currents associated with such diodes are lower than those associated with high-intensity light sources, and they provide increased power densities since due to smaller packaging requirements. Furthermore, semiconductor light source arrays emit lower levels of electromagnetic interference, are significantly more reliable, and have more stable outputs over time requiring less maintenance, intervention, and replacement than with high-intensity light sources. Arrays of semiconductor light sources can be configured and controlled to allow individual addressability, produce a variety of wavelengths and intensities, and allow for rapid starting and control from pulsing to continuous operation.

None of the prior art discloses a semiconductor light source that can be adapted for a variety of applications and/or provide the high power densities required by a variety of applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the problems in the prior art by providing a solid-state light source adapted for a variety of applications requiring relatively high power density output. For example, the present invention may be used in material transformation, projection, and illumination applications. This is achieved by a unique array of solid-state light emitters that are arranged in a dense configuration capable of producing high-intensity power output that prior to this invention required inefficient high-intensity lamps and/or expensive and complex laser devices.

The device of this invention is capable of producing power densities greater than about 50 mW/cm² for any application requiring such power density. The device of this invention may be used to produce power densities within the range of between about 50 mW/cm² and 6,000 mW/cm². The device may be configured differently for a variety of applications each of which may have different requirements such as, optical power output density, wavelength, optics, drive circuitry, and heat transfer. For example, the device may include a drive circuitry to supply power necessary to achieve the density of power output for a particular application. Additionally, the device may include various optics for applications in which a specific light wavelength is required such as, in fluorescent imaging or backside semiconductor wafer inspection.

In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a solid-state light module having a thermally conductive substrate with multiple chips of LEDs mounted in a spatially dense arrangement such that illumination is achieved at sufficient intensities to perform physical processes and/or to be utilized in projection and/or illumination applications. The solid-state light source of the present invention can be utilized to perform functions in a variety of applications in such areas of, for example, projection, exposure, curing, sterilization, cleaning, and material ablation. The solid-state light source achieves high efficiency, spectral purity, power densities, and spatial characteristics for each of the applications described above, as well as other applications that require efficient light production.

The present invention provides a solid-state light source that is self-contained, thus eliminating the need for intricate optical coupling mechanisms required by many prior art devices. Furthermore, the solid-state light source of the present invention optimizes light output and is advantageous in the design of small cost effective LED projector systems.

The foregoing embodiments and features are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting, persons skilled in the art being capable of appreciating other embodiments from the scope and spirit of the foregoing teachings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a basic solid-state light module of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of the solid-state light device.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the solid-state light device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a solid-state light bar.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross sectional view of the solid-state light bar of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional end view of the solid-state light bar of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional end view of another embodiment of a solid-state light device of the present invention.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are graphic illustrations of various light waveforms for a variety of applications.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an embodiment for increasing the intensity of light output from a solid-state light module.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of another embodiment of FIG. 10 utilizing plural optical elements to increase the intensity of light output.

FIG. 12 is a schematic of a power supply for driving the embodiment of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b show an embodiment of the present invention which allows full color display or projection of a color image by having individually addressable red, green, blue, or other color emitters.

FIG. 14 shows a method of balancing and controlling the light intensity variations across the LED array.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the present invention for projection lithography where an image on a mask is projected onto a photopolymer forming a positive or negative image of the mask in the cured photopolymer.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of the present invention for cleaning and surface modification where the maximum semiconductor light intensity is further magnified by both optical magnification and pulsing techniques to achieve power densities sufficient for ablation, disassociation, and other effects.

FIG. 17 is a schematic of a power control in which individual lines of the array may be controlled.

FIGS. 18 and 19 are views of a machine visions inspection device for measuring and testing the light output intensity of a solid-state light device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a lighting module that serves as a solid-state light source capable of performing operations in a variety of applications requiring high density power output. The device of the present invention includes a dense chip-onboard array of solid-state light emitters that produce high-intensity power output and further includes heat transfer; drive circuitry, light intensity, spectral purity, spatial uniformity, and directionality required for a variety of applications. Such applications are typically those requiring a power density output of over about 50 mW/cm². Most applications typically require between about 50 mW/cm² and 6,000 mW/cm² and the present invention can provide power output in this range. However, it is contemplated that the lighting module of the present invention may be utilized in applications requiring a power density output greater than about 6,000 mW/cm²′ Applications requiring power density output of between about 50 mW/cm² and 6,000 mW/cm² include the following:

-   -   projection applications that provide illumination for inspection         operations, and for displays and projectors that project and         control light;     -   imaging applications such as, lithography, printing, film, and         image reproductions, and other applications that transfer         images; and     -   material transformation applications, such as, initiating         chemical or biological processes, photopolymerization (including         curing of coatings, adhesives, inks, and lithographic exposure         of photopolymers to create a pattern), cleaning, sterilization,         ionization, and ablation (material removal with light).

The lighting module of the present invention includes an array of solid-state light emitters that may be configured to produce the required light intensity for each application of use. As used herein, the phrase “solid-state light emitter” means any device that converts electric energy into electro-magnetic radiation through the recombination of holes and electrons. Examples of solid-state light emitters include semiconductor light emitting diodes (LEDs), semiconductor laser diodes, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs), polymer light emitting diodes, and electroluminescent devices (i.e., devices that convert electric energy to light by a solid phosphor subjected to an alternating electric field). In the following description, LEDs are used to illustrate solid-state light emitters.

LEDs are arranged in a dense array on a substrate, as discussed below. The density of the chip array or, in other words, the spacing of the chips on the substrate, may vary according to the application of intended use. Each application of intended use may require a different power density output that may be achieved based on the spacing (or density) of the chips on the substrate, depending on the power of chip used. Additionally, each application may require different light wavelengths or a mixture of wavelengths for the application. Table 1 below shows examples of power density outputs that can be achieved by various chip array densities or spacing using 12 mW and 16 mW chips. For example, an array of 12 mW chips formed on a substrate in a density of 494 chips/cm² (22 chips/cm) produces a power density output of 5037 mW/cm². This power output density may be required for cleaning applications using light wavelengths of between 300-400 nm. For cleaning applications requiring a higher power density output, an array of 16 mW chips formed in the same density described above produces a power density output of 6716 mW/cm². While individually packaged prior art semiconductors like LEDs, VCSELs, and laser diodes are typically arranged on 4 mm or larger center-to-center pitches, this invention achieves significant increases in power density by arranging the devices on center-to-center pitches below 3 mm, and more typically between 1 min and 2 mm center-to-center pitches. In view of the teachings herein, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that other power densities, other wavelengths, and other device spacings are possible limited only by the future availability of devices. As defined herein, a dense array of solid state emitters is one a plurality of solid state emitters are arranged in an array of 3 mm or less center-to-center spacing to provide a power density output of at least 50 mW/cm².

TABLE 1 Power density (mW/cm²) as a function of chip spacing and chip power Micron Pitch 450 650 850 1050 1250 1450 1650 1850 2050 2250 2450 2650 mm Pitch 0.45 0.65 0.85 1.05 1.25 1.45 1.65 1.85 2.05 2.25 2.45 2.65 Number of 22 15.4 11.8 9.5 8 6.9 6.1 5.4 4.9 4.4 4.1 3.8 chips per cm Number of 494 237 138 91 64 48 37 29 24 20 17 14 chips per sqr cm mW/cm2 using 5037 2414 1412 925 653 485 375 298 243 201 170 145 12 mW chips mW/cm2 using 6716 3219 1882 1234 870 647 500 397 324 269 227 194 16 mW chips

FIG. 1 illustrates the basic construction of the solid-state lighting module 10 of the present invention in which a plurality of solid-state light emitters such as, LED chips 12 are mounted in a dense array on a substrate 14. A variety of LED chips are commercially available across a spectral range of visible and invisible light and a person skilled in the art may select an LED chip depending on the application of intended use. One example of a suitable LED chip for a material transformation applications such as, curing, is P/N C395-XB290-E0400-X, manufactured by Cree, Inc., located in Durham, N.C. Module 10 is connected to a power source 16 to power LED chips 12 that produce light output of an intensity to perform a desired operation. The spacing or density of LED chips 12 on substrate 14 is determined by the power density output requirements of the desired operation. For example, from Table 1 above it can be seen that to obtain a power density output of 2412 mW/cm² LED chips 12 must be mounted on substrate 14 in an array having a density of 237 LED chips/cm². For thermal control, substrate 14 is preferably mounted on a heat sink 18. Substrate 14 may be made of a variety of materials as will be described below. Heat sink made of any thermally conductive material such as, aluminum brass, copper, alloys or many other materials designed to efficiently conduct heat. As described herein, individual LED chips are surface mounted to the substrate. However, multiple LED arrays may be provided as a single integrated circuit die. Larger LED arrays may be assembled by arranging several of the die into a hybrid circuit array.

FIG. 2 further illustrates one possible example of a solid-state lighting module 20 capable of producing a power density output that may be used in a material transformation processes. Module 20 includes plural solid-state light emitters such as, LED chips 22 mounted on substrate 24 in a dense array 26 to produce a high density power output to perform a material transformation process. LED chips that produce a wavelength capable of performing a material transformation process at a power density output of greater than 50 mW/cm² are commercially available. One skilled in the art may select a LED chip depending on its wavelength output for a specific material transformation application. As discussed above, the spacing or density of LED chips 22 depends of the power density output requirement of the material transformation process. Substrate 24 serves as an electrical insulator and a thermal conductor and can be made of ceramic material such as, Alumina (Al,03), Aluminum Nitride (MN), sapphire, Silicon Carbide (SiC), diamond, or Berrylium Oxide (BeO); dielectric coated metal like aluminum copper or other alloys, semiconductor materials such as, GaAs or Si; or laminate-based or other substrates that use thermal vias or metal layers to conduct heat. These materials are thermally transmissive for the purposes of this invention: Hereinafter, a thermally transmissive substrate is one made of any one of these materials. Conductive circuitry patterns 28 are formed on one surface of substrate 24 and are formed of electrically conductive materials such as, copper, palladium, gold, silver, aluminum, or alloys or layers thereof. LED chips 22 are mounted on substrate 24 by solder, conductive adhesives, eutectic bonding, or other known metal bonding techniques and are electrically connected to circuitry patterns 28 by appropriate conductive leads, such as wires 30. Alternatively, LED chips 22 may be formed directly on substrate 24.

Wires 30 are connected to LED chips 22 and substrate 24 through circuitry patterns 28 by any wire bonding or electrical joining technique, including wire bonding, flip chip, surface mount, or other bonding technique. Circuitry patterns 28 may include connections to thick or thin film passive components 32. Thick film components 32 can be laser trimmed to achieve uniform light intensities across array 26. A power supply 34 is provided and is connected to circuitry patterns 28 to power LED chips 22. Power supply 34 may be connected to or controlled by a computer controller 36 so that LED chips 22 can be turned on, off, or pulsed for variable times or intensities. At least one temperature sensor 37 may be connected to circuitry patterns 28 in any known manner to monitor the temperature of substrate 24. Sensor 37 may be connected through control circuitry to power supply to prevent the module 20 from overheating. Thus, input from temperature sensors 37 may be used to provide real-time in-situ temperature control. Thermal stability and heat dissipation may be achieved, if desired, by mounting substrate 24 onto a heat sink 38. This heat sink can be comprised of heat conductive materials like copper or aluminum, heat pipes consisting of a metal cylinder containing a fluid for enhanced heat convection, or a water-cooled heat conducting material.

Optical properties of spatial directionality, uniformity and spectral filtering may be achieved, if desired, by an optical component 40, which might include a micro lens array of refractive or diffractive components or other optical redirection technology, as well as spectral filtering. Light output 42 from LED chips 22 can be focused, collimated, and/or made more uniform. Although not required, optical efficiency may be achieved by matching the index of refraction of a gas, liquid, or transparent polymer hermetically sealed in a gap or space 44 created between the substrate 24 and optical component 40 for maximum reliability. Suitable refracting gases are known to persons skilled in the art and may include helium, nitrogen, argon, or air. Suitable refracting liquid could include coolants or optical mineral oils. Suitable transparent polymers include optical gels of silicone and epoxy, and rigid polymers of acrylic, polycarbonate, epoxy and others known to persons skilled in the art. The gas, liquid or polymer may further improve thermal dissipation. Optical efficiency can also be improved by addition of reflective surface coatings on substrate 24 or by the addition of known thin film coatings on optical component 40 or component 22.

One possible example of a solid-state light device 46 is seen in FIG. 3 capable of curing the coatings on work object 48 such as, a CD/DVD device with a sealed, air cooled, LED chip array. In order to perform a curing operation, device 46 may provide a power output density of about 30-6000 mW/cm² of light of a wavelength of between about 300-400 nm. Device 46 includes a substrate 50 made of any material as discussed above but is preferably made of ceramic or alumina. An array of LED chips 52 is disposed on substrate 50 so as to produce a light pattern slightly larger than work object 48. This larger pattern ensures proper edge cure down the sides of work object 48. Substrate 50 may be mounted within a module housing 54. Alternatively, a carrier can be added for ease of manufacturing and service. The carrier uses the permanent bonding agent 56 to attach substrate 50 and a non-permanent thermally conductive grease between the carrier and the housing 54. The carrier is then attached mechanically to the housing 54. A permanent bonding agent 56 such as conductive adhesives, paste, or other adhesive that conducts heat may be used to mount substrate 50 in housing 54. Housing 54 may be made of a metal that is easy to machine and is an excellent thermal conductor for heat dissipation. A window 58 of glass or plastic is formed in module housing 54 to allow light produced by LED chips 52 to pass through to work object 48. Window 58 is sealed to module housing 54 by a high light transmission environmental seal 60 which may be any commercially available bonding seal. A terminal 62 is attached to or formed on substrate 50 and is connected to a power supply 64 through a stress relief electric connection 66 mounted in an electrical insulator 68 in module housing 54. An optional temperature sensor 70 is also provided on substrate 50 and is connected through a terminal 72 and insulator 74 to a temperature sensor read circuit 76. Temperature sensor read circuit 76 is connected to power supply 64 to prevent LED chips 52 from overheating. Typically, the temperature threshold is about 80° C. Module housing 54 is mounted by any connector such as, screws (not shown) on a heat sink 80. Heat sink 80 may have a plurality of fins made of any thermally conductive material such as, aluminum. A fan 82 may be connected to heat sink 80 so that fan 82 takes in ambient air and blows it through heat sink 80. Heated air is then transported away from module 46. Many curing applications are performed with light wavelengths of about 395 nm. LED chips 52 preferably produce light output in a range corresponding to that which activates a curing agent in the curing application of intended use. LED chips 52 may be pulsed to increase their output intensity to achieve a power output density of greater than 400 mW/cm² for a particular curing application. However, other curing applications may require other light wavelengths and other power density outputs.

FIGS. 4-6 show an embodiment that incorporates multiple solid-state light modules into a light bar 84 for in-line material transformation applications such as, high-intensity surface modification such as ink or coating curing or image exposure applications. For example, Low Viscosity Ultraviolet Curing Ink manufactured by International Ink Co. of Gainsville, Ga., reacts at around 200 mW/cm² using a wavelength of between about 350 and 400 nm. Light bar 84 includes multiple modules arranged in a line or an array and extends along an axis X. Light bar 84 is preferably moved relative to a target or work object along an axis Y allowing light output 88 to perform a process on work object 86. Light uniformity is improved by moving light bar 84 relative to work object 86 because the movement spread light output 88 evenly across work object 86 along the Y-axis. To improve uniformity along the X-axis, light bar 84 may also be moved along the X-axis to spread light output 86 along that axis. Light output 88 may be averaged by moving light bar 84 along both the X and Y axes such as, by vibration. Additionally, a light averaging optical element, such as a diffuser (not shown), may be incorporated in light bar 84. Furthermore, solid-state light modules may be angled so that the witness line of their joining is not evident in work object 86. Light bar 84 may be of various configurations and can be moved by any motive means necessary to achieve the objectives of the process for which it is to be used.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, light bar 84 includes multiple solid-state light modules 90 mounted thereon. Each module 90 includes a dense array of LED chips 92 mounted on a substrate 94. LED chips 92 are surface mounted and wire bonded to substrate 90 in a high density array according to the power density output of the operation. Each substrate 94 is preferably a printed circuit board with optimum heat transfer materials, as described above. Substrates 94 may be mounted to a light bar housing 96 through a bonding agent 98, preferably having good thermal conductivity. Alternatively, the substrate 94 can be mounted to removable carriers for ease of manufacturing. The carriers attach to substrates 94 with permanent, thermally conductive bonding agent 98. The carriers are mechanically attached to the light bar housing 96. The carrier completes the module 90 including the substrate and other components. Modules 90 are mounted in a manner so that light output 88 produced by LED chips 92 is directed toward work object 86 through a window 89. Alternatively a copper tube may be pressed into or attached by a bonding agent 98 or similar agent. The copper tube contains the fluid flow, simplifies construction and lowers cost of Module 90. In this embodiment the housing 96 is one part. A power supply 100 (FIG. 4) provides power through a first set of cables 102 to power either all modules 90 in light bar 84 or power each module 90 separately. Each substrate 94 may include a temperature sensor 104. Power supply 100 senses the temperature of each substrate 94 through a second set of cables 106. The first and second cable sets 102 and 106 are shown simplified. Preferably, each module 90 will have its own set of power cables so that each module 90 can be controlled separately. Each temperature sensor 104 is connected to a temperature sensing circuit 108 connected to power supply 100. A power in bus bar 110 and a power out bus bar 112 serve as the power input and output connections for light bar 84.

To control the temperature of light bar 84, a fluid tube 114 introduces cooling fluid (coolant) in and carries heated fluid out. Light bar housing 96 includes upper and lower metal plates 116 and 118 such as, aluminum or copper, between which fluid tube 114 is positioned so that heat is transferred from light bar housing 96 to the fluid which is then carried out of light bar housing 96. Alternatively, light bar housing 96 may be provided with plural channels 120 (FIG. 6) through which coolant is supplied by a first hose (not shown) so that the coolant is in direct contact with light bar housing 96 and flows out of light bar housing 96 through a second hose (not shown). This allows for turbulent flow of the coolant, providing greater heat transfer. Power supply 101 (FIG. 4) controls the coolant by sensing the temperature and allowable light output. A separate fan cooled radiator or different means of cooling is applied to remove heat. Light bar 84 is preferably a closed assembly to protect modules 90 from environmental damage including but not limited to physical impact and airborne contaminants, either in gas or liquid phase. A rigid cover 122 provides structural strength and holds window 89 which may be coated for improved UV light transmission, if desired. As seen in FIG. 6, at least one optical element 124 may be provided adjacent to the LED chips 92 to align light output 88 to the Z axis. Optical element 124 may be single or multiple elements and may be separated for each LED chip 92 or be designed to work for several or many LED chips 92. Side reflectors may be used to direct light toward the target. Side reflectors would be located along the sides of the modules 90 or may be incorporated into the said modules 90.

Other material transformation processes may include, resist exposure for circuit boards that include at least one material that reacts to light wavelengths between about 350-425 nm with the optimal wavelength being 365 nm at a power density output of greater than 100 mW/cm². The substrate may be ceramic such as alumina or Aluminum Nitride (AN) or any of the other thermally conductive substrates mentioned herein using a fluid cooled heat sink. A collimating optic micro array may be utilized to collimate light output. The LED chips such as those manufactured by Cree, Inc. as discussed above, may be either be pulsed or driven continuously to obtain a power output density of greater than 700 mW/cm². For some cleaning operations, light wavelengths of between 300-400 nm may be used as some organic materials can be removed using such a range of wavelengths. For example, fingerprints may be removed from a semiconductor wafer using a wavelength of about 365 nm and pulsing the LED chips at less than 100 nsec pulses to obtain a power output density of greater than 5,000 mW/cm².

FIG. 7 shows a solid-state light device 130 wherein optical multiplication of the intensity of the light source is achieved for applications such as semiconductor wafer inspection or fluorescent inspection where a higher intensity of a single wavelength is required. A dense array of LED chips 132 are surface mounted on a substrate 134 having optimum heat transfer properties as discussed above. LED chips that produce a wavelength capable of performing an inspections process at a power density output of greater than 50 mW/cm² are commercially available. One skilled in the art may select a LED chip depending on its wavelength output for a specific inspection application. Substrate 134 is mounted to a heat sink 136 through a bonding agent 138. Temperature sensors 140 may be provided on substrate 134 and are connected to temperature sensor circuits 142 and are connected to a computer controlled power supply 144 for operation, as discussed above. Power supply 144 with thermal sensing circuitry is controlled by a computer 145 and is connected to substrate 134 through power in bus bar 146 and power out bus bar 148. Heat sink 136 can be any possible configuration to effectively remove heat and is shown with a plurality of fins 154 to dissipate heat. Either ambient air or an air flow provided by a fan (not shown) flows over heat sink fins 154 to cool device 130. Although an air heat sink is shown, it is contemplated that device 130 could also have a fluid tube to carry coolant into and take heated fluid out of the heat sink′136 as shown and described in FIGS. 4-6. Additionally, heat sink 136 could also be a heat pipe or thermal electric cooler. Optical elements 150 and 152 may be provided between LED chips 132 and a work object 156 to focus light 158 to obtain the desired intensity required for the application. For example, optical elements 150 and 152 may increase the light intensity up to between 5 and 10 times. Optical elements 150 and 152 may be any known focusing lens or intensifying optic.

Power supply 144, as well as other power supplies described above, can provide a variety of power waveforms, as seen in FIG. 8, for different applications. For example, power supply 144 may supply constant voltage continuously at various current levels (amps) as seen in the graphical illustrations labeled 1.1 and 1.2 for applications such as, backside wafer inspection and resist exposure for circuit boards. Power supply 144 can also provide pulsed power waveforms using various time on and off periods represented at C, D, E, and F, and/or current levels (amps) as seen in graphical illustrations labeled 2.1 and 2.2 for applications such as, fluorescent inspection, curing for coating for CD ROMS, and cleaning. As seen in FIG. 9, various ramped current pulses are seen in the graphical illustrations labeled 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 for applications such as, lithography systems and cleaning LED chips 132 may be pulsed at various frequencies for pulse times as low as 50 nsecs in order to accomplish a specific function. For material processing applications where maximum intensity is required, solid-state light devices like LEDs can be super pulsed, for example, at currents 3 to 5 times their nominal current, or even significantly higher for short periods to achieve a higher intensity. Pulse ramp shapes allow more reliability by not overly stressing the solid-state light devices beyond what the application requires. Additionally, for material transformations where the physical process takes a period of time, the duration of the pulse can be matched to the process requirements. Additionally, for material transformations which are intolerant to heat, the duration and spacing of pulses can be matched to the process requirements.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a high-intensity light source that utilizes a reflective/transmissive optical element for inspection applications requiring power density output on greater than 50 mW/cm². Light from a module 160 is condensed with a first optical device 162 such as, a fused taper, telescopic lens pair, or other optical elements. Module 160 includes a dense array of LED chips 161 surface mounted on a substrate 163. Light is then directed to a work object 164 through a second optical element 166 such as a reflective surface. For fluorescent inspection, module 160 preferably produces light having a wavelength of between 300-400 nm Second optical element 166 is preferably a highly reflective mirror that reflects greater than 95% at the light wavelength of about 380 nm and highly transmissive at the fluorescent wavelengths between 450-600 nm. Fluorescent wavelengths from work object 164 are transmitted through second optical element 166 to a camera 168 that detects the fluorescent wavelengths. The simplified optics and higher density light output of this embodiment enables applications not possible with prior art inspections devices due to their complicated design and limited uniformity and power density. The embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 11 provide increased light intensity to perform, for example, cleaning, sterilization, and other high power density applications. For example, by feeding 1 W/cm² coherent power into one or more optical devices 162 to form a 1 mm² or 4 mm² beam power density could be increased 100 times, ignoring optical losses. To further increase power density, diode lasers devices in an array could be used instead.

For backside inspection of silicon wafers or for MEMs seal inspections, module 160 preferably includes 1050-2500 nm LED chips or laser diodes having a combined output power density greater than 50 mW/cm′. Second optical element 166 is preferably a 50% beam splitter at the same wavelength as the light output from module 160, which is typically between 1100-1300 nm. This arrangement is effective for work objects 164 that are transmissive at 1100-1300 nm so that the wavelengths transmitted from work object 164 are propagated through second optical element 166 to camera 168 that is sensitive in the near infrared at the source wavelength.

Light output may be further extended by stacking modules 160 as seen in FIG. 11 in series or optically in parallel. For example, 80% efficiency may be achieved by surface mounting 1,000 1.8 mW LED chips at 1200 nm on substrate 163 in module 162(a); surface mounting 800 similar LED chips of substrate 163 of modules 162(b) and 162(c). This provides a potential of 1.44 W with one module, 2.59 W with two modules, and 3.7 W with three modules. FIG. 12 illustrates a power supply capable of achieving the pulsing and control requirements of the present invention. The programmable power supply shown herein is controlled from a general purpose instrument bus (GPIB) interface circuit board where the output voltage and output current can be remotely programmed and monitored from a computer. The power supply can also be programmed to provide arbitrary output voltage and output current waveforms at various pulse repetition rates and duty cycles sufficient to achieve the functionality detailed in the embodiments.

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b show an embodiment of the present invention that allows spectral mixing by having individually addressable light emitters of predetermined colors. For example, the emitters can be red, green, and/or blue or three different bands in the ultraviolet. The emitters can be arranged in color triads. In addition to standard LED colors, LED chips may be adapted to produce other colors by using colored phosphors or fluorescing coatings or fillers. For example, each LED in earlier described embodiments may be replaced with three LEDs. In other words, one white LED may be replaced with three LEDs of different colors, R,G,B with each separate LED having separate power coming in so that the drive circuitry would allow them to be pulsed as separate colors. White-light LEDs using phosphor coatings are commercially available.

Grounds for a triad of LEDs or other multiple grouping can either be separate or one single common ground. A solid-state light module 170 is partially seen in FIG. 13 in which a thermally conductive substrate 172 includes an array of R, G, B (Red, Green, Blue) LED chips 174 mounted thereon having a high spatial power density so that the resulting illumination is sufficiently intense and uniform to achieve the required projection brightness. Projection applications typically require a very dense arrangement of LED chips such as, about 237 LED chips/cm′. Such high density can be achieved by making substrate 172 a multilayer printed circuit board that brings the R,G,B interconnects together. Substrate 172 may include at least one temperature sensor 176 that operates to control temperature as discussed above. Module 170 is similar to module 20 described in FIG. 2 with the main exception being that the solid-state light emitters are R, G, B emitters. Module 170 is preferably mounted on an air cooled heat sink (not shown here) similar to that describe in FIG. 3 and includes drive circuitry that produces light intensity and spatial light distribution required for projection applications such as, desktop projectors. Furthermore, the R, G, B LED chips 174 and/or any optics are controlled to allow single device control.

FIG. 13 b shows the addition of an optical element 178 provided adjacent to LED chips 174 to achieve color through intensity. Optical element 178 converts LED single wavelength light into multiple wavelengths of light depending on the intensity of LED light output 179 intensity so that two, three, or more different wavelengths can be obtained from optical element 178. If desired, each LED chip 174 may be individually intensity controlled; however, individual control of each LED chip 174 is not required. Light output may be R,G,B, and light conversion may or may not be by phosphor layers.

FIG. 14 shows methods of balancing and controlling the light intensity variations across the LED array. This feature may be added (if required) to all embodiments described herein. Light output of LED or series of LEDs are controlled by varying line resistance of DC current flow. Control of current flow will control LED light output intensity. Varying intensity provides the ability to balance light intensity evenly over an LED array. Varying intensity allows control over the LED array light output to achieve non-uniform light intensity. In a first illustrated method, LEDs 180 are arranged in a series with a laser trim resistor 182 anywhere in the series. In a second illustrated method, the circuit current carrying ability inside the LED array is varied. This may be achieved by varying the size of the wire bonding the LEDs 180 to the substrate. Wire is available in varying diameter (for example, 0.001 in., 0.002 in., and 0.003 in. gold wire). Resistance of the power circuit may be controlled by varying the printed circuit board trace width and/or plated thickness. Additionally, different LEDs can have different traces as needed to control current flow. Alternatively, the LEDs can be controlled using a programmable current source implemented as a transistor-based circuit to balance the current among arrays of LEDs connected in series, and/or to arrays of LEDs arranged in rows and columns. The current source may also be implemented as a programmable current output power supply.

FIG. 15 shows one possible embodiment of the present invention for projection lithography where a module 190 projects an image on a mask or liquid crystal display 192 onto a photopolymer work object 194 forming a positive or negative image of the mask in the cured photopolymer. Projection lithography requires a very uniform light source. Module 190 includes a substrate 196 with a dense array of LED chips 198 and an air cooled heat sink 200 as discussed above. LED chips that produce a wavelength capable of performing a projection process at a power density output of greater than 50 mW/cm² are commercially available. One skilled in the art may select a LED chip depending on its wavelength output for a specific projection application. A collimation optic element 202 may be provided to collimate light output from the LED array and either a reducing optic 204 or an enlarging optic 206 is provided depending on the size of the image to be projected. Optical element 202 is connected to a power source (not shown) in a manner similar to the connected shown and described with reference to FIGS. 4-6.

FIG. 16 shows one possible embodiment of the present invention for cleaning and surface modification where the maximum semiconductor light intensity is further magnified by both optical magnification and pulsing techniques to achieve power densities sufficient for ablation, disassociation, and other effects. A module 208 includes a substrate 210 with a dense array of LED chips 212 having a power supply similar to that discussed with reference to FIGS. 4-6. A single or multiple lens 214 is provided to achieve linear magnification of light output 212 from module 208 to perform an operation on a work object 216.

The lighting module of the present invention may be utilized in a variety of applications that require high-intensity ultraviolet light. For example, the lighting module may be used in fluorescence applications for mineral, polymer, and medical inspection and measurement by using a power output density of between 10-20 mW/cm² of light of a wavelength of less than about 400 nm applied for at least a duration of about 40 msec. For water sterilization, a power output density of between 2-42 mW/cm² of light of a wavelength of about 254 nm may be provided and for sterilization of blood a power output density of about 80 mW/cm² of light of a wavelength of between 325-390 nm. In polymer curing of for example, adhesives, paints, inks, seals, conformal coatings, and masks, a power output density of between 30-300 mW/cm² of light of a wavelength of between about 300-400 nm. For imaging exposure for, for example, circuits and printing, a power output density of between 25-300 mW/cm² of light of wavelengths of about 246 nm, 365 nm, 405 nm, and 436 nm is provided for a duration of between about 6-30 seconds. In stereo lithography applications for rapid prototyping, a power output density of greater than 10 mJ/cm² of light of wavelengths between about 325-355 nm is provided for a duration of about 20 nsec. For organic cleaning applications for debris removal of, for example, epoxy or fingerprints, a power density output of between 60-500 mJ/cm² of light of wavelengths of 172 nm and 248 nm for a duration of 20 nsec. In photo ablation applications for material removal, a power output density of 1 E7 W/cm² of light of a wavelength less than about 400 nm is utilized for a duration of about 20 nsec. The light might be pulsed by drive circuits and optical elements may provide an improvement of directionality and uniformity, perhaps with gradient index planar lens materials.

In applications in which the module is used for projection the module may be used to drive fluorescing material to generate the required R,G,B output. For example, three phosphors may be used as a target and one or more phosphors may be activated depending on the intensity of the light output. This application may be used to create visual interest or for small televisions. The present invention also contemplates embodiments of the invention for deformable mirror device (DMD) and LCD based projection devices, which would overcome the problem of light output balancing from R,G,B LEDs.

Additionally, a variety of other applications including water treatments including splitting, disinfecting, ionizing, and reduction of pollutants; polymerization of medical coatings, conductive inks, controlled release drugs, and furniture coating; sterilization of medical devices, blood products, medicines, and airborne particulates; diagnostic and therapeutic uses of light for dental, skin treatment for a variety of diseases, mental disorders, and identifying particular materials through spectrographic or chromatography methods; agricultural uses including stimulating plant growth or preparing plant transitions from artificial to natural sunlight; environmental applications including the degradation of materials to accelerate biodegration.

In exposure applications, higher coherence, spectral purity, and/or directionality of light could be achieved by including an anti-reflective coated side enclosures for each LED or diode to avoid side reflections and interference effect. This will effectively prevent creative and/or destructive interferences from up close. Alternatively, the modules can be enclosed in a series of reflectors to dramatically increase the distance to the work surface to ensure greater spectral purity. Alternatively, a micro lenses could be fabricated on the LED pitch spacing to improve collimation. Such lenses might be, for example, gradient index diffractive optics or Fresnel lenses. Furthermore, distributed Bragg Reflectors formed by dielectric coatings could form a resonant cavity, which would improve light directionality. Additionally, a planar collimator, such as an assembly of one or more stacked laminated transparent materials of varying index of refraction formed in any combination, or a gradient index modified glass, perhaps assembled on the LED pitch spacing.

In the embodiments herein described, a power source may be constructed and arranged as seen in FIG. 17 wherein each line of LEDs in an array is powered from a separate programming source for sequencing or to vary the power to each line.

The power density output of the modules can be tested using a machine vision inspection technique, as seen in FIGS. 18 and 19, where the individual intensity of each light module is measured. This is accomplished by placing a module 218 under an inspection camera 220 such as that shown and described in published U.S. Application US2002/0053589, filed Oct. 2, 2001, incorporated herein by reference. The camera aperture A (FIG. 19) is set so that light output of the module results in pixel gray scale values less than 255. The location and region of interest of each individual solid-state light emitter is defined and the intensity of each solid-state light emitter is measured. The output intensity of all of the solid-state light emitters are digitally imaged and algorithms are used to measure overall output performance of each module to identify any elements that are not working. Camera 220 measures light balancing, light distribution, and overall intensity of each module. As discussed above, power density used herein is in mW/cm2. Power density may be measured at the work surface or at the exit of the light source and is typically measured through optical elements. An average power meter 222 with an appropriately sensitive detector at the wavelength of the light source is set up with the camera aperture opening so that the light output from the source is larger in area than the diameter of the aperture. The total average power into meter 222 within the aperture opening is recorded on meter 222. The optical power density for any area of the LED array is then the ratio of the measured power on the meter in mW and area of detector in cm². Each light source in array is given its own area of interest and is measured for its intensity, simultaneously all of them and the relative intensity of each one to the overall is verified.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts and actions which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this invention and that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit and scope of the teachings and claims contained therein. 

1. A lighting fixture, comprising: an array of solid-state light emitters including at least two modules, each module having a module array of multiple light emitters on a substrate, the array mounted in the housing; a transistor-based current source electrically coupled to the array of solid-state light emitters, the current source receiving power from a power supply, the power supply providing power to each module array separately; and drive circuitry within the housing to control operation of the solid-state light emitters.
 2. The lighting module of claim 1, further comprising balancing DC current between light-emitters in each module array and among the modules arrays.
 3. The lighting module of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor located within the housing, the temperature sensor electrically connected to the power supply through control circuitry, and a temperature sensor read circuit.
 4. The lighting module of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a thermally conductive material.
 5. The lighting module of claim 1, wherein the substrates comprise a thermally conducive and electrically insulative substrate.
 6. The lighting module of claim 1, wherein the solid state light emitters are arranged on the substrates with a spacing determined by a required power density of a desired operation and further comprising a heat sink attached to the housing, the heat sink arranged to dissipate heat from the array of solid state light emitters, and a fan arranged to blow air across the heat sink.
 7. The lighting module of claim 1, wherein the power supply provides a variety of power waveforms and wherein the variety of power waveforms include waveforms at various current levels.
 8. The lighting module of claim 1, wherein the power supply provides a variety of power waveforms and wherein the variety of power waveforms include a pulsed power waveform, the pulsed power waveform providing various current levels over time.
 9. A method of radiating an object, comprising: providing light through an array of solid-state light emitters including at least two modules, each module having a module array of multiple light emitters mounted on a substrate; powering the array of solid-state light emitters through a transistor-based current source electrically coupled to the array, the current source receiving power from a power supply; and varying the power provided to each module array separately.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the varying the power includes providing continuous voltage at various current levels.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the varying the power includes varying the current level using a pulsed power waveform, the pulsed power waveform providing various current levels over time.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising balancing DC current between light-emitters in each module array and among the module arrays and wherein the balancing DC current includes varying a light output intensity of the solid-state light emitters.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein varying the light output intensity includes controlling the array light output to achieve a non-uniform light intensity.
 14. A method for sterilizing, comprising: providing light through an array of solid-state light emitters including at least two modules, each module having a module array of multiple light emitters on a substrate, the array mounted in the housing; powering the array of solid-state light emitters through a transistor-based current source electrically coupled to the array, the current source receiving power from a power supply; controlling operation of the solid-state light emitters through drive circuitry; and sterilizing a material with light output by the array of solid-state light emitters.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein sterilizing the material includes sterilizing water.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein sterilizing the material includes sterilizing blood.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein sterilizing the material includes sterilizing medical devices.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein sterilizing the material includes sterilizing medicines.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein sterilizing the material includes sterilizing airborne particulates.
 20. The method of claim 14, further comprising arranging the solid state light emitters on the substrate with a spacing to provide a power output density for sterilizing the material and further comprising providing power output density of 2-24 mW/cm² of light for sterilizing water or providing power output of light of a wavelength of 325-390 nm for sterilizing blood. 